RI Gov. Chafee poised to join Democrats

Chafee plans to switch his party affiliation to Democratic Thursday morning at his local election office in Warwick.

Chafee has long said he was considering joining the party to help raise money to win a second term next year. He spoke at the party's national convention last year in support of President Barack Obama and has said he shares many positions with the Democrats.

Chafee left the Republican Party after he lost re-election to the U.S. Senate.

The switch sets up the possibility of a three-way Democratic primary in next year's governor's race. Two potential Democratic candidates -- Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and state Treasurer Gina Raimondo -- say Chafee's decision won't impact their decision to run.